Sister Cannon in São Paulo

Brazil São Paulo West Mission || October 2015-April 2017

são paulo

Sunday, March 26, 2017

Sister Cannon arrived safely in the CTM (MTC). Her younger brother will update with important emails that she writes. This week she wrote: "Hi family! I have arrived safely in Brasil. It has been a crazy 48 hrs, but I am so excited to be here. I love brasil already. On my flight from Atlanta we had 12 sisters and 6 elders, it was so nice to get to fly with all of them. It definitely took some of the pressure off. We had our 9 hr flight to Brazil, which was not the best. I got little to no sleep on the plane but I definitely felt all the love and prayers that you guys have sent my way. Thanks for all of those! We made it to the GUA airport and went through to get our passports checked, collected our luggage and went through customs. We were met by people that took us directly to the CTM (or MTC). Brazil is beautiful! There are so many exotic trees and flowers with cute little houses and massive skyscrapers thrown into the mix, but it is awesome. We arrived at the MTC at 7 am. (Our flight landed at 5ish) so all of the missionaries were dead tired. We were given room assignments, nametags, new companions and breakfast. I really dont know what we ate for breakfast, it was like a mix between porriage and oatmeal... it was actually pretty decent. We had freshly squeezed orange juice and small apples and bananas. After breakfast, (7:45) we had time until our first activity of the day so we got to shower, change and take a nap. SO refreshing after that long plane ride of no sleep at all. Anyways, the CTM is awesome. I have only been here for like 4 hours but I already can tell this is a special place. Everyone is so kind, happy and helpful. I´m so grateful that I got my visa in time to come here! It is so great. My P-days are on Friday, while I am here at the CTM so send some emails my way! I would love to hear from all of you. You guys are the best and I am grateful for all of you! beijos! sister cannon"

Sept. 5th I was able to go through the temple for the first time.Such a great experience for me. One of my favorite quotes about the temple is:"Thus Israel gathers for the purpose of building temples in which the ordinances of salvation and exaltation are performed for the living and the dead." —Bruce R. McConkieI'm leaving to go into the MTC in almost exactly one month! How time flies! See you in 30 Brazil!

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the Brazil, São Paulo West Mission. You should report to the Brazil MTC on Wednesday October 7th 2015. You will prepare to preach the gospel in the Portuguese language. "

My head is spinning and my heart is full. I am excited to give 18 months to serve the people of São Paulo. Sometimes I wonder how it is possible to have so much love for a people that you do not yet know.

I don't know if I can recall a moment when I "decided" that I wanted to go on a mission. All my life I just wanted to. I grew up singing "I hope they call me on a mission", teaching my friends about the gospel, and serving with the missionaries in my ward when I had the opportunity. I had developed an even greater desire to serve especially after President Monson announced the missionary age change in the Oct. 2012 General Conference.

"Today I am pleased to announce that able, worthy young women who have the desire to serve may be recommended for missionary service beginning at age 19, instead of 21."

That General Conference session was life changing. Soon after, I served a mini mission with Sister missionaries in a neighboring ward. I was blown away by their dedication, hard work, and the eloquence in which they taught others the gospel. I wanted to be like them.

Fast forward 2 years later. While attending BYU, I was surrounded by many other people deciding to serve missions. Their examples and faith in the Lord helped me take my next step in serving a mission. In March of 2015, I opened my mission papers and after much blood, sweat and tears (literally) on April 22, 2015 I clicked the 'Submit' button in the Stake President's office. It was one of the greatest feelings I have ever experienced.

Eleven short days later, after moving out of my dorm, saying goodbye to all my friends, getting my wisdom teeth removed, and driving across the country I had (finally) received my mission call.

Opening my call was probably one of the most overwhelming days of my life. That small envelope held the next chapter in my life, the place that I would be serving the Lord for 18 months and I was nervous to find out where that place would be. Before opening my call, I asked the Lord to help me know that wherever I was called is where I am supposed to go. I asked for peace in my heart.

I received that peace. I know that the Lord has called me to labor in São Paulo for a reason. I don't know what that reason is, but I do know that God has a plan for me and for the people of São Paulo. I can't wait to share the message that brings me the most happiness in this life with the people of Brazil.